Thursday, June 21, 2012

Boomers seal series win over China

Updated June 12, 2012 07:54:35

Australia's men's basketball team recorded a thrilling series-clinching 69-65 win over China on Monday night in Albany.

The Boomers, who defeated China 66-55 in the first game on Saturday night, led at every break but had to overcome a sluggish start to the second quarter to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.

Guard Matthew Dellavedova, looking to shine in the absence of star Patty Mills, finished with 11 points and two clutch free-throws at the death.

The two sides meet again on Wednesday, but Mills will not join his team-mates until they arrive in Melbourne for final London Olympic preparations - a three-match series against Greece later this month.

Mills, who was involved in the NBA playoffs with the San Antonio Spurs, looked to be sorely missed in the opening half.

China had eased to a 13-point lead in the second term and the hosts' shooting had slumped to 30 per cent before they rediscovered their mojo.

The Boomers went on a 14-0 run to end the first half, and were never headed despite some tense moments in the final quarter.

The two sides traded baskets in the dying moments before Aron Baynes delivered a telling lay-up with 32 seconds left on the clock, giving the Boomers a five-point advantage.

A three-pointer from China's Sun Yue, the game's top-scorer with 22 points, ensured more drama but young gun Dellavedova iced the game with less than 10 seconds remaining.

Dellavedova was sent to the line and made both free-throws to put the game out of reach.